Two of the X-Men franchise’s strongest – if at times, underrated – female heroes received the perfect tribute, in the form of Omega-level cosplay builds from artist Sara Moni. Representing both Domino and Dani Moonstar, Moni thrilled followers online with a pair of equally fierce looks, evoking the two memorable characters and getting fans excited for their next Marvel Comics appearances.
Sara Moni (@saramonicosplay) Posted on Instagram as part of her “cosplay ABC’s of March,” Domino and Dani are further evidence of the high bar Moni always sets for herself with her builds, which is evident from even just a casual look at her work.
Both Domino and Dani Moonstar are fan-favorite characters among X-Men readers, with Moni’s cosplay work serving as just one more reminder that the two characters should figure more prominently in the next era of the X-franchise, for anyone who might have needed it.
Sara Moni’s Domino cosplay emphasizes the character’s confidence. Though her powers manifest subconsciously, Domino’s defining trait is that she bends the probability of any situation she enters in her favor. As a result, Domino has perennial “good luck” – at least when it comes to her chosen profession of international assassin – while her opponents’ own chances of a positive outcome are diminished, if not negated altogether. As a result, she’s one of the most confident Marvel characters in any given situation, something that Moni’s take on the character conveys in her posture and facial expression.
As with both of the characters she presented for the fourth day of “the cosplay ABC’s,” Sara Moni’s Domino features a character that deserves a more central role than ever before. Though Domino has been around for decades, she has only ever had several starring turns, in miniseries over the years. Besides that, she has primarily been a supporting character – but she remains popular, and is overdue for her own ongoing title. Moni’s decision to cosplay as Domino indicates the engaging style of the character, which is part of her continued appeal.
Like Domino, Dani Moonstar is also ready for a major comeback. As the member of the X-Men known as “Mirage,” Dani was a central member of the X-franchise’s New Mutants roster. Since her introduction over forty years ago, Dani has been a leading mutant character off and on, playing critical roles in various X-Men titles. That said, her appearances in the franchise redefining Krakoan Era have been minimal, leaving long-time fans of the character anticipating an impactful return for her in a near-future storyline, especially now that the era is ending and giving way to something new.
Sara Moni’s Dani Moonstar build captures the character in her most classic form, in her most familiar X-uniform. In one picture, she leans up against a tree, and in the other, she wields Dani’s familiar bow and arrow. In both cases, the cosplay artist skillfully pays homage to the fundamentals of Dani Moonstar. In this way, though it is not one of her flashiest, most intricate builds, Moni captures the essence of the character. Again, her look is confident – and again, it is sure to make old-school X-Men fans clamor for the return of Mirage.
Source: @saramonicosplay